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08/30/2006

Ron Oden (pic.), the openly gay mayor of Palm Springs, CA, tells the Desert Sun that he doesn't want locals to challenge an upcoming "ex-gay" conference with picket signs and protests, but rather by showing them positive models of gay happiness. While he says he opposes the message of the so-called "Love Won Out" conference, he also says of his city:

"...what better place could they come to find positive role models in the community? We have people here who have been in loving relationships for decades and are successful, self-confident, self-actualized people. And not just one or two. This is a good place to come and see their examples. It may go against what they teach. My job as mayor is to welcome people."

We applaud the mayor's attempts to keep the peace, we really do. Unfortunately, however, the job of those with "Love Won Out" is to tell the mayor that he is living a flawed, immoral lifestyle for which he should seek repentance. So it's a little hard to just roll out the red carpet and let them damage the psyches of impressionable children, parents, and others seeking "change!"
Now don't get us wrong -- we agree that we should show them and EVERYONE just how easily, normally, and happily we fit into the spectrum of humanity. And we understand that they have a right to congregate and that Mr. Oden, as mayor, should welcome them to his city. But if some local gays wish to utilize their own right to counter the "ex-gays" message with a peaceful demonstration, then who are we to say they shouldn't? It is for those who have not reached our well-adjusted gay place that we must continue to challenge this dangerous movement at every turn. Let's certainly hold our partners' hands proudly and show them our happiness; but let's also unapologetically oppose their deceptive attempts to keep others from ever knowing their own.